Town Square

Grandmother who was shot speaks out

Original post made
on May 18, 2013

Five people were shot at a bus stop in East Palo Alto May 5. Victims "Susana" and "Ashley," a grandmother and granddaughter, instantly became statistics in East Palo Alto's long history of casualties of gun and gang violence.

Posted by Haves and havenots
a resident of another community
on May 18, 2013 at 4:52 pm

This continues every day. Last night I was awaken by two different sets of shots. First one, stayed awake for a long time, then another in about one or two hours. I looked out my window, thinking that the police will come and investigate but no one came. Everything seemed calmed but who knows what really happened. I did not dear to opened may door and find out. It is a shame that only few miles away people live peacefully, while here we are like in a war zone. These is part of the I haves and havenots. They have great parks, when ours is taken by the gangsters, our people cannot even take a bus safely to get out children to other city's parks. How unfair is live. How many more people need to die in order for city officials to take the violence issue seriously. They need to bring the Army here. They should be fighting the bad guys in our own country not somewhere else. Let's start cleaning up our own home first.

Posted by Haves and havenots
a resident of another community
on May 18, 2013 at 4:57 pm

I forgot to say that this is a really great report. Thanks again Sue fro taking the time to write about real issues that affect our community. Hope that Susana and Ashley get the help they need to recover both physical and emotionally.

Posted by Candy
a resident of East Palo Alto
on May 20, 2013 at 11:26 am

How do people feel about installing cameras? or license plate readers? The police need help catching these bad guys!!!! People also need to speak out and tell the police as much info as possible! So sorry for this innocent family! Stay safe everyone.

Posted by DT
a resident of another community
on May 20, 2013 at 11:37 am

I think that it is terrible with all the money in this area that this poor child can not even see a psychologist to try to get over the trauma that she has had to go through. People need to step up and help others. Isn't there someone one out there that could maybe treat this child and her Grandmother for free.

Posted by None
a resident of East Palo Alto
on May 20, 2013 at 11:48 am

Cameras. I'm in favor, it solves a lot of the evidence problems the police have, and we all need them to solve those problems somehow. I don't know if the city would go for it. There's a great fear among many residents that the cameras will be used for other purposes - hunting down people with immigration or auto licensing problems. They invite lawsuits - much more expensive than the cameras, which the city can't afford. We should ask at a police beat or city meeting though, whether the city has considered them.

I know they aren't being considered for traffic use on University Ave. CA law is such that local municipalities' tickets are dismissed if they make any money from them, so instead we get dump trucks running red lights 4+ seconds late at 50mph. Maybe they'd be considered for safety only.

Posted by Hmmm
a resident of East Palo Alto
on May 20, 2013 at 12:12 pm

I'm really glad that these two are physically safe. I hope that they can remain as anon as possible & that they're able to move out of EPA asap.

On a more sour note, I couldn't help but wonder, after I read the article, if they live in a legal or illegal garage conversion. We have too many of the illegal ones, & those who put them together exploit those less fortunate. They're also a true danger to the health & safety of others. Here's to this family getting out of EPA & into a place that is NOT a garage conversion!

Posted by Abe Mitchell
a resident of Meadow Park
on May 20, 2013 at 12:16 pm

This country has a major problem with hoods whom are armed with shooters of different types. Surely it could be considered that the ammunition for the shooters could become controlled by the shops etc that sell the same. In other words if the person trying to purchase ammunition can not produce a recognised licence for his gun, then no sale of the ammunition.Perhaps this could be a deterrent for future gun law safety.This is the law in the United Kingdom, no licence no legal gun or rifle!!

Posted by Un and underserved
a resident of East Palo Alto
on May 21, 2013 at 6:18 pm

It's always sad to hear about the violence happening in this community. There are so many decent people with good family values and it's a shame that we end up living in fear of gang violence, which seems similar to nationally giving in to fear of terrorism. For this reason I am sad that the family is choosing to leave.

To "Haves and havenots" I have experienced similar situations, once having called the police BACK after hearing gunfire minutes after the patrol car drove down the street slowly then left. Neighbors and I called knowing who was shooting and told this to the police officer (who never bothered to leave his patrol car). We were told that unless we witness it they can not investigate. We can't witness it because they shoot from their yard or in the dark. My car has been shot by stray bullet during recreational shooting. Nothing is ever done.

Police officers taking reports tell us we should move. US move?! Why US? Why not move the criminals out? It's easier said than done I know but from personal experience many officers just do not care. They are just waiting for reassignment.

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